Teen Book Reviews

2010 Summer Reading Club

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Book reviews from local teens! Check for reviews from your favorite branch...

Central Library | East Forest Park | Forest Park | Pine Point | Sixteen Acres

Central Library

MistwoodMistwood
By Leah Cypress
Fantasy
5 stars
By Alexandra F.

The most dramatic part was the end....for sure. It all came together, and it was great. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I think I would like to live in the setting of this book, because I have always been fond of the older times/ "King Arthur" times. Who would l like to meet? Isabel, the Shifter. It would be interesting to see her personally. Be? Clarisse. Crafty, witty and evil...why not? :-)

The SeasonThe Season
By Sarah MacLean
Fantasy
1 star
By Alexandra F.

The whole book was boring, terribly cliche', and I didn't even finish because I was bored of it. But I wouldn't mind living then, because it's a time of awesome fashion. =^__^= Even though I didn't finish, I'd say I'd like to meet Alex, because she is just like me.

The Au PairsThe Au Pairs
By Melissa de la Cruz
Romantic drama
5 stars
By Aliyah S.

The most dramatic part of the book is when Eliza and Jeremy are caught down in the basement. I would like to meet this character named Mara. She seems to have the same personality as me. I would like to be Jacqui because she is confident and daring.

Au Pairs: Skinny DippingThe Au Pairs: Skinny Dipping
By Melissa de la Cruz
Romantic drama
5 stars
By Aliyah S.

My book was set in the Hamptons. I think I would like to live there because it seems glamorous and exciting. The funniest moment was when Mara was dancing on top of the table in the nightclub.

TwelveTwelve
By Lauren Myracle
Realistic fiction
4 stars
By Lourdes R.

I would like to meet Winnie because she is around my age and she understands others. I would like to be Dinah because she has a cat and she can dance hip-hop. The funniest part of the story is when her mom embarrasses her going bra shopping.

Year of Miss AgnesThe Year of Miss Agnes
By Kirkpatrick Hill
Realistic fiction
3 stars
By Lourdes R.

The most dramatic part of the story is when Frederika and her classmates get a new, unusual teacher. I would not like to live in that time or place because the school is one whole classroom from the old days. I would like to live there because it is a different experience, however.

 

The Floods: Good NeighborsThe Floods: Good Neighbors
By Colin Thompson
Fiction
5 stars
By Tatiana B.

The funniest part was when the mailbox ate the mailman's watch. I wouldn't want to live in that time because it's a scary book about a scary house.

 

Dragon Ball ZDragon Ball Z vol. 5
By Akira Toriyama
Action adventure manga
4 stars
By Alex D.

The funniest part is that Goku jumped out of the window right in front of the doctor. I would like to meet Bulma because I want to ask her how it is on Namek. I would like to be Vegeta because he is strong and fast. I don't like that the pictures are black and white.

 

 

PendragonPendragon Book One: The Merchant of Death
By D.J. MacHale
Urban fiction; action adventure
3 stars
By Alex D.

I would like to be Bobby Pendragon because I want to see all the exciting places he gets to go to. But I wouldn't want to live in that place, because it is dangerous. The scariest part of the book was when he was chased by various animals.

 

Millennium SnowMillennium Snow Vol. 1
By Bisco Hateri
Manga
5 stars
By Adalaisha B.

I would like to meet and be Toya because he is a vampire. The funniest part – it was super hilarious when the werewolf and vampire first meet and hate each other.

 

Wizard's First RuleWizard's First Rule
By Terry Goodkind
Fantasy/science fiction
5 stars
By Adalaisha B.

I would like to meet Richard because he's sweet, hot and awesome. I would like to be Kahlan because of her cool name. She's cool and Richard loves her. One of the funniest scenes was when Michael was hitting on Kahlan and she put her finger to his chest and cut him.

 

Serenity: Those Left BehindSerenity: Those Left Behind
By Brett Matthews
Science fiction comic/graphic novel
4 stars
By Nicholas C.

I would like to live in the time and place of this story because it's futuristic with a little bit of Western. Something I thought was bad about the artwork was that the main character's face was always distorted.

 

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog DaysDiary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days
By Jeff Kinney
Realistic fiction
4 stars
By Nicholas C.

The funniest part was when his mom was trying to get him in ads, but all she could get him in was a constipation ad. The artwork was good because it looked like the kid was drawing it.

 

Chasing BrooklynChasing Brooklyn
By Lisa Schroeder
Thriller/mystery
4 stars
By Angie M.

The scariest part is that Brooklyn is being chased in her dreams by Gabe and has to solve the problem. I would not like to meet her or anyone who is being haunted, because then they'll come after me.

Love You Hate You Miss YouLove You Hate You Miss You
By Elizabeth Scott
Realistic fiction
3 stars
By Angie M.

The scariest part of this book is to know that Amy had an alcohol problem and it could have taken her life. I would not want to be anyone in this story, because I am not the type of girl to drink and get into trouble. I would not want to meet anyone in the story either, because one is in rehab and the other is dead.

Mary anne and the great romanceMary Anne and the Great Romance
By Ann M. Martin
Realistic fiction
3 stars
By Senasha B.

Kristy Thomas is who I would like to be in the story, because she was the one who came up with the Baby Sitters' Club and I would like to do something like this one day. The funniest thing is how Mary Anne and Dawn are so alike.

Caped sixth graderThe Caped Sixth Grader
By Zoe Quinn
Historical fiction, fantasy
4 stars
By LilliAna B.

I would like to meet Zoe's grandpa because I would like to ask him about his past superpowers. And I would like to be Emily because she has fashion. But I would not want to live in that time or place, because I like my life now and the story's place looks weird.

Tales of a Fourth Grade NothingTales of a Fourth Grade Nothing
By Judy Blume
Realistic fiction, humor
5 stars
By Liza Marie R.

I would like to meet Fudge because he is a two year old who is very mischievous and funny. He reminds me of my baby brother. I would like to be Peter because he is the big brother and goes through a lot with his family and friends.

Kaze HikaruKaze Hikaru Vol. 1
By Taeko Watanabe
Manga
By Lylandria W.

The artwork was good. Almost all emotions were drawn very well and fully. But I would not want to meet any of the characters, because this book was kinda stupid.

Case closedCase Closed
By Gosha Aoyama
Manga
By Lylandria W.

I'd like to meet the detective Jimmy because he is a cool looking guy and very smart. The book is scary when Jimmy gets hit on the head, knocked out, and drugged. I thought he was gonna die!! I'd like to be Rachel because she can (and did) beat up a person, and she knows kung fu. The artwork was very detailed and expressive as if it were real.

Sphinx's PrincessTitle: Sphinx's Princess
Author: Esther Friesner
Genre: Realistic, historical fiction; inspirational.
3 stars
By Liza Marie R.

Would l like to live in Ancient Egypt? Yes and no. I would love to live there and I wouldn't like to live there because in Egypt there was much jubilation but also punishment and brutality. I would like to meet Nerfertiti, because she was the main character of the book and is very well known to the world for her beauty and life story. I would like to meet Nefertiti because she was very beautiful and attracted guys and became Queen of Egypt.

Nobody's PrincessNobody's Princess
By Esther Friesner
Genres: Fantasy, historical fiction, adventure
4 stars
By Liza Marie R.

The most dramatic part of this story is when Helen of Troy goes to Mykenae with her sister and leaves in disguise on a ship. The character I would most like to meet is Theseus who conquered the Monster. In that time he was a hero. I would like to be Helen of Troy who was the most beautiful woman of the world. I certainly would not like to live in Helen's times because there were monsters roaming cities and lots of drama, according to Greek Mythology.

New MoonNew Moon
By Stephenie Meyer
Romance, suspense/thriller.
5 stars
By Lylandria W.

The most dramatic part of the story was when Edward was going to expose and reveal himself on purpose to get himself killed because he thought Bella was dead. I would and wouldn't want to live in Forks, Washington: would because I would have met everyone in the story, and wouldn't because it's not sunny. I would like to meet Jacob because he's very smiley. I would also like to meet Emmett.

Two on First
By Mike Neigoff
Realistic fiction
5 stars
By Kielle R.

The most dramatic part was when one of the boys went to hit the ball, but hit his coach instead. I wouldn't want to live where this book took place because it was a desert. And I wouldn't want to be any of the characters because they have no lives.

Wildwood DancingWildwood Dancing
by Juliet Marillier
Historical fiction, romance
3 stars
By Lay'trice J.

I would love to live in this other world because of the enchanting dancing and the seducing, hypnotizing creatures. The character I would like most to meet is Gogu because I would love to know how he felt when he had to live his life as a frog. How did it feel to find out that the one you love is the one carrying you around in her pocket?

Romeo & JulietRomeo and Juliet
By William Shakespeare
Romantic tragedy
5 stars
By Lay'trice J.

I would like to meet Mercutio because he really makes you think outside the box and his sexual humor is funny. I would want to be the apothecary because his part is short, but it is also very dark and creepy. The most dramamtic and saddest part was when Mercutio dies and crushes the two family households.

This takes place in Verona, Italy, but I would love to visit Italy any day.

 

Forest Park

Ivy and Bean Take Care of the BabysitterIvy and Bean Take Care of the Babysitter
Annie Barrows
Realistic Fiction
3 stars
By E.S.

The funniest part of the story was when Bean wanted to escape home because an 11 year old had to babysit her (they are the same age), and Bean can't go anywhere. I love the artwork because it is so funny and cool. I love how the people are drawn. It's really realistic and not realistic too. That's why  I like it.

Would I like to live in that time and place? Yes and no. No because I would not want to be baby sat by a girl my age and yes because I'd like to have all the fun she has. I'd like to be Ivy because I'd like to experience her life because it is full of books and adventures. Also, I'd like to meet Bean because I want to ask her why she is so brave and because she stands out on her own.

 

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog DaysDiary of a Wimpy Kid-Dog Days
Jeff Kinney
5 stars
By Sonnia K.

The character I would like to meet is Greg because he has his own way of looking at things and his own point of view. I would also like to be Greg because I would like to see what challenges he goes through during the summer and school. The funniest part about this story was when Greg watched a horror movie and ended up sleeping in the bathtub with his friend.

 

Piercy Jackson and the Olympians: Lightning ThiefPiercy Jackson and the Olympians: Lightning Thief
Author Rick Riordan
Genre: Fantasy/Science Fiction/Action/Adventure
5 stars
By Alexander R.

The funniest part of the story is at the begining when Percy said that he got expelled from almost all the schools he had been to. Also, in fifth grade he accidentally shot the the school bus with a Revolutionary War cannon at the Saratoga Battlefield.

Yes, I would love to be there. I would love to go on the journey with Percy, Annabeth and Grover. They went cross country to go to the under world to get to the lightning bolt.

If there was one character I would love to meet it would be Annabeth. I say that because she is smart and one of Chiron's (trainer of heroes) favorite students. Percy said she looked like the child of Aphrodite. Percy Jackson is the son of Poseidon and loves water. I love water too. Also because there is a lot of action in his life. But the being expelled thing is not like me. He also has a lot of cool and fun friends and caring parents.

 

East Forest Park

 

Lightning ThiefThe Lightning Thief
Rick Riordan
Action/Adventure
5 stars
By Jazzmyn A.

I liked Monster. My favorite was the Minotaur.

My book was set in an unusual time or place; would I like to live there? No, I would keep away because I wouldn't want to get killed.

What was good or bad about the artwork in it? I don't like it being in black and white.

I would like to be Annebeth because she is really smart.

 

Dollhouse MurdersThe Dollhouse Murders
Betty Ren Wright
Suspense/Thriller/Mystery
5 stars
By Hannah M.

I think the scariest part of this story is when the dolls in the dollhouse act out the murder scene.

This book was set in a really old house in the country. I would not like to live there because it would be scary.

 

Chibi VampireChibi Vampire Vol. 10
By Yuna Kagesa
Romance/Comedy/tense
4 stars
By Binh T.

For me the most dramatic part was when Karin's grandma Elda found out that there was a half-vampire in town, and the half-vampire was Karin's friend. The grandma almost killed Yuriya (half-vampire) but didn't when she learned Karin's secret. I like this specific part of the manga because most of the book is a LOL-moment so this scene shows that it can be tense.

Yes, I would totally love to visit Japan. By looking at the manga's backdrop it looks so beautiful and breathtaking. But I wouldn't want to live there because it wouldn't feel like Springfield. Tokyo Japan is HUGE, here you never get lost!

My favorite part about the illustrations is that each character will have bigger than life expressions on their faces. These looks help me connect to the story and I can see how they are feeling. It is like watching TV. The bad thing is that I would like it if there was color.

The character I would like to meet is Karin's grandma, Elda. When i meet her, I'll ask her why she doesn't like two different people falling for each other. Is there something wrong with that? The person I want to be is Karin because she is a vampire. That is a secret I want to let in. She has a great boyfriend and an awesome family and a friend that has her back.

 

Pine Point

Child Called ItA Child Called "It"
By David J. Pelzer
Non-fiction, biography
4 stars
By Malyun A.

"I would like to meet Dave's teacher and actually give them something special for helping him."

 


Tail of Emily WindsnapThe Tail of Emily Windsnap
By Liz Kessler
Fantasy
4 stars
By Catherine L.

"I would most like to meet Shona. Shona is a full mermaid and I would like to know what it is like to live underwater. I would also like to be Shona and would love to live underwater and swim with a tail."

 


Star Wars. Clone WarsStar wars. Clone wars.
Action/Adventure
Comic book
5 stars
By Kalem E.

Star wars universe has a hard life always fighting something or someone. Peace has to be fought for all times. It is almost a crime to be happy. Someone always wants what is yours - your happiness, your joy or your life. I admire Obi-Wan because he has a great sense of honorability. He loves doing what is right. His skills are very good. He has many different experiences that he uses throughout his life to keep him on the right track. He chooses his friends wisely. He always tries to make life better no matter where he goes.

 


Sixteen Acres

Thirteen Reasons WhyTh1rteen R3easons Why
By Jay Asher
Realistic fiction, suspense thriller/mystery
4 stars
By Najheen A.

The scariest part was finding out that Hannah was seriously considering suicide.

I would most like to meet Hannah because I would like to give her help with her decision of suicide and stop her from committing it. The character I would like to be is Clay because he is nice and he just wants to help Hannah.

 

Catcher in the RyeThe Catcher in the Rye
By J.D. Salinger
Realistic fiction
3 stars
By Najheen A.

The most dramatic part of the story was when Holden had an epiphany and catharsis. The character I would like to meet is Holden because he is coming of age just as I am. Phoebe is the character I would like to be because she is mature for her age and understands more things than Holden does.

 

Maus IMaus: My Father Bleeds History & And Here My Troubles Began (I and II)
By Art Speigelman
History / Graphic novel
3 stars
By Kahari M.

The most dramatic part is when Vladek was taken to Auschwitz and thinking the Germans were going to kill the prisoners of Auschwitz. I would not like to live there during this time because it was a time of war. I would like to meet Anja so she could tell her side of the story.

 

Worst Enemies, Best FriendsWorst Enemies/Best Friends
By Annie Bryant
Realistic fiction
5 stars
By Victoria L.

The funniest part was when Charlotte was sitting at the lunch table and the tablecloth got stuck in her zipper and all the food fell on her. I would like to meet Avery because we have a lot in common. For example, she loves sports and so do I, also she was adopted and I was too.

 

The Lovely BonesThe Lovely Bones
By Alice Sebold
Realistic fiction
5 stars
By Melanie K.

The most dramatic part of this story is when Mr. Harvey kidnapped Suzie. I would not like to live in the setting of the story because it would be a sad depressing time. I would like to be Lindsey, Suzie's sister because she catches Mr. Harvey due to him having pictures of Suzie. I would want to be that sneaky.

 

Among the EnemyAmong the Enemy
By Margaret Peterson Haddix
Science fiction
By Moses G.

"I would like to meet Matthias because he has leadership skills. Also he cares about his friends. I would like to meet Mike because he is very smart and resourceful."

 


Alice in WonderlandAlice in Wonderland
By Lewis Carroll
Fantasy
By Joely G.

"I would most like to meet Alice because she is sensible. I would most like to be the Mad Hatter because he is random."

 

 

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updated : July 31, 2010